Competency of the atrioventricular valves allows blood to enter the ventricles, where pressure is generated. When adequate systolic blood pressure is generated, the aortic and pulmonary valves open, allowing blood to enter the arterial system. The atrioventricular valves close, preventing…
Cardiac transplantation developed in conjunction with research into myocardial protection and heart preservation, which facilitated safe open heart surgery. In 1961, Shumway and Lower published their seminal article describing the technique of orthotopic cardiac transplantation in a canine model, with…
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of both sexes in the United States and all industrialized nations, and is increasingly becoming an important cause of death in developing countries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,…